'Step up': Sask. Indigenous leaders call on province, RCMP to help as COVID-19 rips through northern community
The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) is calling on the provincial government to "step up" as a northern community battles a COVID-19 outbreak.
In a news release, the FSIN said both public health orders and RCMP enforcement to ensure people who test positive for COVID-19 self-isolate are needed to get an outbreak in Buffalo River Dene Nation under control.
"Chief Elmer Campbell and health staff are running out of options and the death of our most vulnerable could increase unless reinforcements are brought in," Chief Bobby Cameron said in the release.
In the release, Cameron and Meadow Lake Tribal Council (MLTC) Chief Richard Ben also ask community members to do their part to control the spread of the virus.
"We encourage anyone who can get vaccinated to do so immediately and to continue to wear a mask and self-isolate if you've tested positive," Ben said.
Ben echoed Cameron's call for additional help.
"We're doing all that we can to support Chief Elmer Campbell and his staff who are working around the clock to contain this COVID-19 outbreak,": Ben said.
"They need more health support staff and they also need the RCMP to step in and enforce health and safety protocols and ensure gatherings are stopped."
The outbreak in the community began after 250 people from the community were temporarily evacuated to Lloydminster due to a nearby wildfire.
The number of cases in the community started to climb following their return.
On July 15, Buffalo River Dene Nation had only five active cases of COVID-19.
As of Thursday, there were more than 60 cases in the community according to the MLTC.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Multiple bridges in Calgary shut down for police incident
Calgary police have shut down a number of bridges into and out of the downtown core as officers deal with a distraught individual.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.
Quebec judge orders bus driver to stand trial for 2023 daycare crash deaths
A judge has ordered a Quebec man to stand trial on charges of first-degree murder in the deaths of two children killed when a bus rammed into a Montreal-area daycare last year.
Humboldt Broncos bus crash survivor qualifies Canada for Paralympics in rowing event
Former Humboldt Broncos goaltender and bus crash survivor Jacob Wassermann has qualified Canada for a rowing event for the 2024 Paralympic games in Paris.
George Washington family secrets revealed by DNA from unmarked 19th century graves
Genetic analysis has shed light on a long-standing mystery surrounding the fates of U.S. President George Washington's younger brother Samuel and his kin.
Krispy Kreme doughnuts coming to McDonald's in U.S., but not Canada
Canadians will be missing out on a sweet new partnership between McDonald's and Krispy Kreme, which will see doughnuts available at McDonald's locations across the U.S. by the end of 2026.
'We won't forget': How some Muslims view Poilievre's stance on Israel-Hamas war
A spokesman for a regional Muslim advocacy group says Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's stance on the Israel-Hamas war could complicate his party's relationship with Muslim Canadians.
Calgary officer charged after allegedly assaulting handcuffed man
A Calgary police officer has been charged after allegedly assaulting a handcuffed man two years ago.